On Wednesday, with the Regional Chamber’s Columbus Drive-In contingency present, both chambers of the Ohio General Assembly passed a resolution in support of the Mahoning Valley Scrappers and opposing the Major League Baseball league’s decision to eliminate the team, along with 39 other minor league teams across the country.

The Chamber, business community and government leaders have been rallying behind the Scrappers since the MLB announced its plan to consolidate and eliminate teams and requested that policymakers in Columbus also rally its support to encourage the league to keep the team in the Valley.

Mahoning Valley Scrappers’ General Manager Jordan Taylor said, “We would like to thank our senators and representatives and the Regional Chamber for their help in putting this resolution on the Ohio Senate and House floors. We appreciate the continuous support provided as we fight to keep the Mahoning Valley Scrappers a part of affiliated baseball past the 2020 season.”

The Scrappers are a significant part of the community, employing more than 200 full- and part-time employees, supporting numerous local businesses and donating hundreds of thousands of dollars annually to local charities.

The Chamber’s Director of Government & Public Affairs Nick Santucci added, “For more than 20 years the Mahoning Valley Scrappers have been a staple in our community, contributing so much to our economy and loved by thousands of sports fans and residents. We are happy to align with our policymakers and support the team.”

More than 70 people joined the Chamber on its third annual Columbus Drive-In today to advocate for important issues that impact economic development and the quality of life in the region. In addition to networking opportunities and visits to policymakers’ offices, the group also spent time with Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted, Secretary of State Frank LaRose, State Superintendent Paolo DeMaria, Senate Minority Leader Kenny Yuko and more.